Thesis (MArch) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Architecture Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 107-115)

ABSTRACT
The reflection and preservation of many indigenous society’s cultural history, values,
customs, and meaning are all influenced by the profound role of vernacular identity.
However, because of the socioeconomic conditions in which they exist, the built
environment of these indigenous societies has evolved over time and become more
hybrid and has lost much of its vernacular identity and cultural values. The purpose
of this study is to investigate and understand the important role that the built
environment plays in reviving our perceptions of the lost values and identity that
once defined our societies. The advent of current modern architecture has resulted in
the loss of vernacular identity and cultural values of residential buildings in the
northern Nigerian towns of Katsina, Kano, and Zaria. Cultural values and customs in
these cities date back centuries, through pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial
periods. Numerous studies have examined the important role that vernacular identity
has in expressing the values, norms, and meanings of these various societies. In
accordance with the structure study of the case study research methodology, this
research used qualitative and quantitative research methods and
employed exploratory techniques, based on the use of observation and case study
analysis of residential buildings in (Katsina, Kano and Zaria cities). The analysis of
the selected case studies was performed with respect to the tangible and
intangible factors that either directly or indirectly determined the vernacular identity
and cultural values in their respective contexts. The scope of the research is confined
to the loss of vernacular identity and cultural values of the built environment of the
selected case studies as each society has its cultural values and architectural identity.
Four variables for analysis were employed from the developed theoretical framework
namely; plan characteristic, façade characteristic, decoration element, building
materials and construction technique. In Katsina, Kano and Zaria cities, all the
residential buildings concerning the spatial configuration of spaces have some
relations to the Hausa vernacular architecture and in terms of privacy have a direct
link with the sociocultural values and norms of the Hausa society, but most physical
aspects of the buildings while making different interpretations have no relation to the
Hausa vernacular architecture, cultural values and identity. In conclusion, vernacular
identity and cultural values are not completely lost in northern Nigeria. The results
have verified that colonization and modernization have altered the identity and
culture of the urban built environment of northern Nigeria.
Keywords: Built Environment; Cultural Values; Kano; Katsina; Vernacular Identity;
Zaria